Timing apparatus for garment presses and the like



Dec. 29, 1942. R. J. RANDALL 2,306,566

TIMING APPARATUS FCR GARMENT PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed July 12, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 29, 1942. R. J. RANDALL 2,306,566

TIMING APPARATUS FOR GARMENT PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed July 12, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec; 29, 1942. R. J. RANDALL 2,306,566 I TIMING APPARATUS FOR GARMENT PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed July 12, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Doc. 29Q1'942. R. J. RANDALL TIMING- APPARATUS FOR GARMENT PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed July 12, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Doc. 29, 1942.. I R. J. RANDALL 2,306,566

TIMING APPARATUS FOR GARMENT PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed July 1%, 1941' a She-ts-Sheet 5 R. J. RANDALL Doc. 29, 1942.

TIMING APPARATUS FOR GARMENT PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed July 12, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 HEAD unzu 1M SDLLNUID 3 wu Wm Robert Jean dau STEAM VA LVE SULENDI D UNL nu-V-' l 7 a ,w m v M 2 .m =1? 1 W Mn 5 m mm 2 w e m w w :1 A.@\ a Q. o 0 T1 1 mm Dec. 29, 1942. R. J. RANDALL 7 2,306,566

TIMING APPARATUS FOR GARMENT PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed July 12, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 SECONDS STEAM cm I3 I52. 7 STEAM OFF 5 I VACUUM DN M16. ease #5 29 HEAD WE up v HEAD DF'LNS Q Ill- Lg- VACUUM un- 0 n I R2 166 F LlsH BUTTON RESET 3ogg VACUUM m-"F 141 A 21 Y1 T/ j i WA 5 1 Allll STEAM BDLENDID CAMR4- :5 z 1 vAcuuM SOLENOID fjwwmm AAAAA AA Robe-L JRandalL HEAD OPENING SOLENOID W Patented Dec. 29, 1942 aeoesec om'cE 'rnumc Arman-Us Eon GARMENT masses Robert East 8-, Manilh'cturlngcom, Jersey City, N. 1., a

' corporation of Application July 12, 1941, Serial No. 402,251. 24 (o aa-ac) Th present invention relates to means for automatically controlling certain of the operations of an apparatus, such as a garment press or the like. A primary object of the invention is to provide means for automatically securing extreme accuracy in the commencement and duration of the operations and to eliminate, substantially entirely, the human factor in performing the timing of certain functions of the apparatus.

Although not confined to such use, the inven--- tion of the present application is primarily adapted for the control of pressing operations in a garment press used in the clothing manufacturing industry, for instance, in the operation known as canvas basting, as is more fully described and claimed in the copending application of Reiss Billings, Serial No. 397,808, filed June 12, 1941. In practicing the method of that invention, it is of maximum importance that the initial pressing operation performed under the influence of steam heat be accurately controlled as to its duration, since if it is prolonged unduly beyond the optimum, the adhesive employed to secure the canvas or stiffening ply to the garment ply will be dissipated and will not properly perform its adhesive function, while if the steam is delivered for an insufllcient period of time, the adhesive will be insufliciently softened, with equally bad results. In a method of that type, it is also important that a vacuum cooling step be employed for an accurately predetermined period of tim immediately after the steam pressing operation; that the press be opened at the conclusion of the first vacuum operation and that the garment be subjected to a second vacuum cooling operation with the press open.

The invention of th present application provides a timer for automatically controlling these or equivalent operations of a garment press.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus for so controlling a garment press that a single workman may operate two presses. When the apparatus of the present invention is used, the operator simply places the garment upon the press buck, closes the head and presses a starting button, whereupon the press goes through its cycle of operations. Meanwhile,

the operator is removing a pressed garment from a second press and placing a new garment therein. When he has finished the latter work, the first press will have been automatically opened and the garment therein completely pressed. Hence, the output of a single operator is substantially doubled by th present invention.

A further object of the invention is to provide a timer for. automatically controlling the operations of a garment press which does not interfere with the standard operator-actuated controls associated therewith, so that, without any changes, thepress may be operated manually in accordance with old methods. if desired. This necessary, to bring the timer back is advantageous, since certain garments require unusual pressing operations which can best be performed by a skilled operator using his judgment as to the time of duration of the various operations. v

A further object of the invention is to provide a press timer that is automatically reset to a normal starting position upon completion of a normal cycle, or upon manual interruption of a cycle by the operator, for one reason or another. From th practical' viewpoint, it is important that automatic reset means for the timer beprovided, since, otherwise, if one cycle were interrupted .before completion, thenext cycle would start at an intermediate point, instead of at the normal starting point, and the operations would be entirely out of phase. In the absence of automatic resetting means, delicate adjustments would be to its correct starting position.

It is essential that, in spite of the provision of timer controlled means for opening the press, operator-actuated means for performing this function remain operative, so that the operator may open the press at will. Occasionally, a garment is positioned on the press buck in wrinkled or bunched position and, if this circumstance is discovered after the head is closed, the operator must be able to open the press immediately, to rectify the error. Moreover, as a safety factor, the operator must be able to open the press in the event that his hands or any other part of his body be inadvertently caught between the buck and the head'. Further, should foreign objects, such as scissors or other tools be lodgedbetween the buck and the head, it is important that the head be opened immediatelyby operator-actuated means.

As stated above, an important object of'the present invention is to provide mean permitting the operator to open the press at will and means actuated thereby for automatically resetting the timer to its normal starting position, so

that the timer does not get out of phase with the desired press operations.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel power-actuated means for.releasing the locking means for holding the head closed upon the buck, to permit the head to open. Preferably,

- ator-actuated control means therefor.

hold-actuated means controlled by the timer.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel solenoid-operated means for controlling the steam valve associated with a garment press head and to provide connections so arranged that steam valve are inno wise interfered with,

A further objectof the invention is to provide similar solenoid-operated means for controlling manual operation and foot pedal operation of the the vacuum valve in the line leading to the press" buck, without interfering with the normal oper- A further important object of the invention is to provide means for inltiating the operation of the timer and the operations of the press only after the press head has been moved to and locked Figure 16 is a circuit diagram which may be employed with the timer of Figures 14 and 15.

The apparatus of the present invention has been designed for use with garment of the H01!- man type, model V, manufactured by U. S. Hoflman Machinery Corporation and, although not confined to use on presses of this type. in the accompanying drawings and in the following description, reference will be made thereto. The press comprises a base i3 having a pair of spaced, upwardly projecting side frame members Ii, l2,

integraltherewith and carrying at their upper end a' buck' support l3 and a working table It.

in closed position upon the buck. thereby preventing premature discharge of steam from the press head, or premature starting of other press operations.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the specific embodiments of the invention disclosed in the drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front, perspective view of a well known type of a garment press with the apparatiflils. of the present invention associated there- Figure 2 is a similar view of the rear of the press.

Figure 3 is a central vertical section with the press head opened.

Figure 4 is a similar view with the press head' closed.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective on an en-- larged scale showing a preferred form of head lock press head closing means. on a reduced scale.

Figure 6a is a perspective, on an enlarged scale of a detail shown in Figure 6.

Figure I is an enlarged perspective of a steam valve-operating mechanism.

Figure 8 is a vertical view of a press, partly in section and partly in elevation, with certain parts omitted, to show the steam valve-actuating mech- Figure to ma perspective, on an enlarged scale, of certain parts shown in Figure 8.

Figure 9 is a side elevation of a press, illustrating the vacuum valve-actuating means.

Figure 9a is a plan view on an enlarged scale of certain details shown in elevation in Figure 9.

Figure 9b is a similar view, partly in elevation and partly in vertical section.

Figure 10 is an elevation of a timer panel.

Figure 11 is a circuit diagram of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figures 11a. and 11b are diagrammatic end and side elevations of a timer motor and automatic clutch.

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a modified form of timer.

Figure 13 is a circuit diagram which may be employed with the timer shown in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a third form of timer.

Figure 15 is an end elevation thereof.

Figure 15a is a developed view of the cams shown in Figures 14 and 15.

Figure 15b is a diagrammatic cam lay-out, and

dead center, whereupon the spring 35 and the.

From a rearwardly extending portion ll of the base ll, there are a pair of upwardly projecting frame members II, II, terminating at their upper ends'in rearwardly spaced relation to the buck I'I. Aheavy bifurcated lever i3, pivoted about the axis of a shaft i3, supported by the upper ends of the frame members II, N, carries a press head 2| at its forward end and a counter-weight 2| at its A forwardly breaking toggle mechanism comprising a lower link 22 and parallel upper links 23 is connected between the rearwardly projecting portion of the lever l3 and a stub shaft 24 adjacent the rear of the base If. A second toggle mechanism comprising a link 23 connected to the first toggle at 23 and a second link 21, pivoted on a' fixed axis 23 is provided for the p rp se of straightening the first toggle, thereby closing the head upon the buck, the second toggle being operated by a downwardly projecting link 29 connected to a foot-operated-pe'dal 30 pivoted to the subshaftNcarriedbythebaseofthemachine. As is well understood in the art, pressure applied to the foot pedal 33 straightens the toggle 1inks'25, 21, thereby straightening the first toggle links 22, 23 and applying pressure to the head upon the buck. Continued downward movement of the pedal urges the joint 32 between the tog le links 23 and 21 upwardly a slight distance past dead center, the movement being arrested by stop members 33, 34 carried by the tOBgIe and the press frame, respectively. A tension spring assembly 33, connected between the-pivot 28 and the upper end of link 23, assists the weight 2i in collapsing the toggles and opening the press head. Normally, the press head is opened by a kick-oil pedal 31 (Fig. l) pivoted on a transverse shaft 38 (Figs.

3 and 4) and having its rear end 39 underlying the main pedal 33. Hence, when the kick-oil pedal 31 is depressed. the end 39 is raised, thereby raising the pedal 33 and the link 29 and swin ing the toggle link 21 in a counter-clockwise direction, to move the joint 32 downwardly to below weight 2| collapse the toggles and raise the press head to open position.

As is well understood in the art, the upper end of the link 23 may be pivoted at 42 to one end of a bell crank lever 43, 'fulcrumed at 44 adjacent the rear end of the lever l3 and having its other end connected to a clevice 45, which has a threaded connection with an adjusting rod 46, the latter being connected at its forward end with a hand wheel 41 Journalled in a transverse web 48 carried by the heavy lever Id. The hand wheel serves to rock the bell crank 43 and thereby vary turningbypipe 82 throughadischargepipe 88.

similarly supported at the other end of theahaft I8. Avalveassemblyllmmmtedonthehead controls the discharge of steam from the hollow interior thereof through the padding on the head,

the discharge being permitted when the valve pedal'88, pivoted on the transverse shaft is connected by a link. II to a bell crank 82, the other arm of which is connected by an upwardly extending link 88 to a second bell crank, pivoted at 88 adjacent the upper ends of the frame members I8, I8. In such prior machines, the upwardly extending arm of the bell crank 88 is directly connected by a link to the down-turned end 88 of a bent lever 88, carrying a transverse bridge I8, underlying the end of the lever 88 sothat when the lever 88 is swung about its pivot 1 I, the lever 88 is raised, thereby permitting the steam valve to open. I

In accordance with the present invention, the upwardly extending arm of the bell crank 84' is elongated by the attachment thereto of an extension piece 88, and a link 81 connects the same 7 to the lower end 88 of the bent lever 88, whereby the valve may be operated under pedal control as previously.

Certain presses of the type referred to above are provided with means for removing the steam and drawing air through the press buck, to cool garments pressed thereon, said means comprising a conduit I5 (Fig. 9) leading from the buck through a valve casing I8 and a. pipe II to a suitable source of suction, such as a vacuum tank or the like, not shown. A vacuum valve 18 mounted on a horizontally reciprocable stem I8 is adapted to be closed by'a spring 88 upon a valve seat 8I, to cut of! the suction and to terminate the flow of air through the buck. A bell crank 82, pivoted at 88 on a bracket 88 carried by the valve casing 18, has a bifurcated upper end 88 straddling the stem I8 and positioned behind a cap 88 thereon. The other end 81 of the bell crank is connected to a downwardly extending link 88, connected at its lower end to the rear end of a rock arm 88 fast on the transverse shaft 38 and adapted to be operated by a foot pedal 88. Hence, when the pedal 88 is depressed, the bell crank 82 is rocked in a clockwise direction, to open the valve 18 against the force of the compression spring 88. v

The parts so far described, with the exception of the extension 86 on the lever 64, are standard features of construction of presses of the type referred to above and are not by themselves part of the present invention, except insofar as they are combined with the elements of the invention now to be described.

As stated above, the present invention provides power-operated means, preferably a plurality of solenoids, for operating the steam valve and the vacuum valve and for releasing the press head locking toggle system. It must be understood, of course, that in its broader aspects, the invention is not limited to the use of solenoids as other types of prime movers may be substituted.

As shown in Figures 3, 4, 8' and 8a, the upwardthe valve stem 18,

bracket 88 having itslower end secured to the frame. with a horisontally Projecting portion 88 overlying the upper end thereof, and a vertically proiectingwebfl thereabove. Apairofspaced channel member 88,88 secured to'the web 81 carry a solenoidl88and a pivot pin III for a lever I82, one'end of which is connected at I88 to the armature I 88 of the solenoid and the other endofwhichisconnectedbylinksilltothe upperend I88 of theextensionll secured tothe pedal controlled steam valve-operating lever 88. Itlhouldbenotedthattheupperendofthe 88 is laterally bent as at Il'lto bring it into alignment with the solenoid-operated elements and that the the lever 88 is pin I88 connecting the link 81 to disposed in a rearwardly and upwardly inclined slot I88, thereby permittlns the connection to shift when the press head is opened as indicated in Figure 8.

It will be apparent that, when the solenoid is energized and the armature I88 thereof is pulled downwardly, the lever I82 will rock in a counterclockwise direction, thereby rocking the lever 88 in the same direction and lifting the steam valve controlling lever 88, to open the steam valve. When the solenoid is deenergized, the spring 88, associated with the valve, will close the same in the normal manner.

A similarsolenold is provided for controlling the operations of the vacuum valve. Referring to Figures 9, 9a and 8b, the cap 88, carried by has a pair of forwardly projectinglegs II8 connected by a pin III to a pair of parallel links II2 which are connected at their forward ends by a pin II8 to a lever I It, pivoted to a pin III, carried by channel members H8, H1 secured to a bracket plate II8 carried by the machine frame I2. A solenoid I28, carried by the channels H8, H1, has an armature l2] connected by a pin I22 to the free end of the lever Ill. Hence, whenthe solenoid is energized and the armature thereof pulled downwardly,

the lever Ill will be rocked in a clockwise direction to pull the valve stem 18 toward the right and open the valve against the compression of the spring 88. When the solenoid is deenergized, the spring will close the valve in the normal manner.

Novel power means are provided for releasing the head closing andlocking toggle linkage system. Preferably, this means comprises a rock shaft I28 (Figs. 3-6) Journalled in a bearing I28 car ried by the rear face of the frame member I8 and having on one of its ends a projection or cam piece I21, overlying the upper surface of one of the toggle links 28 when the latter is in locked position. The other end of the rock shaft I28 carries a rock arm I 28 connected by a pin I28 to a pair of downwardly projecting links I38, connected at their lower ends by a pin I ii to a short link I82 which is attached at its lower end to the armature I28 of a solenoid I84 carried by a bracket or box I88 mounted on the side face of the frame member I8.

From the construction just described it will be apparent that when the solenoid I34 is enersized and the armature I33 pulled downwardly, the links I82 and I88 will draw the rock arm I88 downwardly, thereby turning the rock shaft I28 in a clockwise direction. This movement will be transmitted by the projection or cam piece I21 to the toggle link 28, thereby forcing the joint 82 thereof to move downwardly below dead center position. As a result of this movement, both carries a Z-shaped of the weight 2i and the spring mitting the press head to open.

' As explained below, in connection with the means for controlling the-circuitsof the sevscribed.

toggles are able to collapse under the influence 55, thereby pereral solenoids, the inyention includes one or more ing movements of the press head. I Before describing the timer circuits and the like, a preferred mounting means and actuating means for the press head controlled switches will be de- As shown in Figures 3, 4, 6 and 6a, the bracket 95 supported from the frame member I and which carries the steam valve operating solenoid assembly, also supports a vertical plate I40, upon which one or more switches I4I, I42 are supported. These switches are preferably of the Mu type, such as are manufactured by Mu- Swith Corporation, Canton, Massachusetts, un-

der United States PatentNo. 1,780,758, Novemasoasec an aluminum armature I5i on one end and a pinion I55 on its other end, normally maintained out of mesh with the first gear of a gear train I switches-which are actuated by opening and closber-'4, 1930. In the arrangement shown in connection with the first form of timer, described below, one of said switches is a single-pole, single-throw normally open switch, and the other is a single-pole, double-throw switch. These switches include operating plungers I45, adapted to cause a positive snap action of the switch elements under the influence of extremely light pressures applied thereto. Spring arms or feelers I44, I45, carried by the switches, are positioned to apply such pressure to the plungers under the influence of a bar I45, disposed therebelow and connected to a lever I41, the latter being pivoted at I48 to the supporting plate I40.

- A block I49, carried by the press head supporting lever I8, moves upwardly when the press head is closed, to engage and lift the lever I41 and bar I46, thereby raising the spring members I44, I45 and applying pressure to the plungers I43, to actuate the switches I4I, I42. By appropriately bending or otherwise shaping the members I44, I45, one switch can be caused to shift slightly in advance of the other, upon opening and closing movements of the press head, which is a feature of utility as pointed out below.

One preferred form of timer for controlling the delivery of current to the solenoids successively for predetermined times in a predetermined cycle will now be described. The timer is preferably housed within a casing I55 (Figs. 1 and 10) secured to the side of the upstanding frame member II and includes a panel I56 upon which the various elements are mounted. The timer consistsessentially of three time delay relays I51, I58 and I59, a pair of magnetically operated double-pole, single-throw relays I50, I5I mounted behind the panel, and suitable connections described below by reference to Figure 11. Each time delay relay is preferably of standard construction of a type that may be purchased on the market, and comprises a switch unit, for instance, of the Mu type referred to above, and a contact actuating mechanism driven in one direction by a self-starting sy chronous motor, operated by alternating current, and reset by movement in the opposite direction under the influence of a coil spring. Time delay relays of this type 1 I54 by a spring the armature and shaft are drawn toward the of the contacts I5Id,

I54a. when the field is energized,

right by magnetic force against the force of spring I54d, as shownin dotted lines, to establish driving relation between the gears. The parts remain in this position until the motor is deenergized,-whereupon the armature shaft is shifted to the left by the spring, to disengage the gears and to permit the train of gears to be rotated in the reverse direction under the influence of the coil spring referred to above. Each time delay relay includes a pointer I51 adapted tobe moved over a sc'alemarked oi! in seconds and fractions thereof to predetermined adjusted position by a micrometer screw I55. The contact actuating mechanism in the timer casing moves with the pointer, subject to the influence of the reset coil spring which tends to move the same in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 10. when current is delivered to the synchronous motor of the timer, the contact actuating mechanism vrotates in a counter-clockwise direction from a position corresponding to the setting of the pointer I52 to the zero position, whereupon the switch is actuated and held in'the actuated position by stalling of the synchronous motor and the continued engagement of the magnetically-operated gear clutch. when the delivery of current to the synchronous motor is interrupted, the armature shaft I50 is shifted by spring I540 and the gear clutch disengaged.

As pointed out below, the switches associated with the time delay relays I51 and I55 are of the single-pole, double-throw type, and'that associated with relay I55 is of the single-pole, single-throw normally closed type. The relays I55, I5I are normally open double-pole, single-throw relays, wellunderstood in the art.

Referring to Figure 10, the circuit includes a main line switch I55 delivering current to lines LI, L2, an operator-controlled starting button I55 adapted to close contacts I51, I55, two douhie-pole, single-throw relays I55. I5I, two press head operated switches I4I, I42, three time delay relays I51, I55, I55 and solenoids I00, I25 and I54. The elements in Figure 10 are all shown in their normal, deenergized position with the press head open. If the line switch I55 Is closed and the press head moved to closed position, the switch I is closed and the switch I45 shifted, breaking the connection between contacts "I, I12 and establishing connection between contacts I13 and I14. If the starting button I55 is closed with the parts in this position pressed, current flows from LI through contacts I51, I55, switch I, through the coil I50 of relay I55, through line I15, and through the normally closed contacts 150a, I55b of the time delay relay I55 to the coil I50 and closes the contacts I5Id, I5Ib and the contacts I5 Ic, I5Id, the latter serving to shunt the push button and closing a holding circuit to maintain the coil I50 energized. Closing H I5Ib delivers current through line I55 to the synchronous motor I51 of the time delay relay I51, thereby initiating its operation. Simultaneously, current is delivered through branch lines I55, I51 and normally closed contacts I510, I511) to the steam valve solenoid I00, thereby opening that'valve and causing a delivery of steam to the press head.

After a predetermined time, the relay I51 switches over, to break the connection between contacts Illa, I51!) and to establish connection between contacts I51c and "1:1 thereof, thereby deenergizing the steam valve solenoid I08 and delivering current by line I81 to the synchronous motor. I58 of the second time delay relay I58. Since the motor of the first time delay relay I51 is still energized, the relay will not yet be reset to its initial starting position, but will maintain connection between I51c, I51d. Simultaneously with the delivery of current to the synchronous motor I58, current is delivered by line I81 to and through the normally closed contacts I580,

I 58b to the vacuum valve solenoid I08, thereby opening the vacuum valve and subjectingthe buck to a flow of cooling air.

After a predetermined time, the time delay relay I58 switches over. thereby breaking the connection between contact I58'a, I581), deenergizing the vacuum solenoid I20 and making connection between contacts I 50c and I58d. The latter delivers current through line I88 to the coil I8I' of relay I6 I, thereby closing the contacts thereof. The first pair of contacts I6Ia, I6Ib simply serve to shunt out the press head controlled switch I44, to continue the delivery of current to the coil I60 of the first relay I60 when the press head opens. The second pair of contacts I5Ic, IOId of the relay I6I deliver current through a line I89 to the synchronous motor I59 of the third time delay relay I59.

A branch line I90 leading from the line I88 delivers current through contacts I10, I14 of switch I42 to the head lock release solenoid I84, thereby energizing the same and opening the press.

As the press head opens, the switch I42 is shifted to its initial position, shown in Figure 11, thereby opening the circuit to the solenoid I 84 and closing a circuit including lines I00, I90, contacts I1I, I12 and line I9I to again energize the vacuum solenoid I20, and open the vacuum valve with the press head open and to subject the garment to another vacuum treatment.

The time delay relay I59, after a predetermined time, switches to open position, thereby breaking the connection between contacts I 59a, I59b and deenergizing coil I60 of the first double-pole, single-throw relay I60, opening contacts I60a, I60b and contacts I60c, I00d. This interrupts the flow of current to the synchronous motors I51, I58 and I59 of the three time delay relays, whereupon they are automatically reset to their initial starting positions. Simultaneously, the coil I6I' of the relay IN is deenergized, to return that relay to its original position. The parts are now in position for the start of the next cycle of operation.

In the event that the operator opens the press head, for one reason or another, prior to the automatic operation thereof, the switch I is opened, thereby deenergizing the solenoid I80 and opening the connection between contacts I60a, I60b, with the result that the flow of current to the synchronous motors of the time delay relays is interrupted, causing them to be automatically reset to their initial starting positions.

In Figures 12 and 13, a second form of timer is disclosed, wherein a synchronous motor 200 of the type known in the trade as a Haydon motor is connected by magnetic clutch means when energized to drive a shaft 20I having a timing disc 202 fast thereon. A band 203 wound about the shaft and connected to a tension spring 204 serves to rotate the shaft in a reverse direction,

to reset the timing disc when the delivery of current to the motor 280 is interrupted and the magnetically operated gear clutch associated therewith is simultaneously disengaged. It will be understood that the motor 200 is similar to the synchronous motor employed in the time delay relays described aboveand drives the shaft 2" at a constant, slow speed in a clockwise; direction when energized.

The disc 282 carries a stop 205 adapted, upon reverse, reset rotation under the influence of band 288 and spring 204 to engage a stationary abutment 208, to maintain the disc in the normal starting position. The disc also is provided with a plurality of circumferentially arranged apertures 201, adapted to receive pins 208 for timing the operations of the press, the pins being insertable in any holes desired for purposes of adlusting those operations. Y A switch G, pivotally supported upon pins 288 adjacent the timingdisc, is provided with a feeler 2I0 adapted to be swung downwardly into the path of movement of the timing pins 208 by a link 2I I connected to the magnetic relay F, described below. When the switch G is to the operative position, the feeler 2I0 is contacted periodically by the pins 208, thereby closing the switch G and controlling the operations of the solenoids associated with the press by the relay circuits shown in Figure 13. The switch G is preferably of the highly sensitive, snap-action type, such as the Mn switch I described above.

The circuit includes six electro-magnetic relays as follows; relay A comprising three poles adapted to control five pairs of contacts AI, A2, A3, A4, A5; relay B comprising two poles adapted to control three pairs of contacts BI, B2, B8; relay C comprising thrce poles adapted to control four pairs of contacts CI, C2, C8, C4; relay D comprising three poles adapted to control five pairs of contacts DI, D2,' D9, D4, D5; relay E comprising a single-pole, single-throw switch adapted to control contacts EI; and relay F comprising a double-pole, single-throw switch adapted to control two pairs of contacts FI, F2. The circuit further includes a normally open, singlepole, single-throw switch I adapted to be closed by a closing movement of the press head, in the same manner as the corresponding switch described above, and a similar starting button I80.

In the operation of the circuit shown in Figure 13, closing of the press head control switch Ill and the starting button I66 establishes a flow of current from LI through line 2 I 5, normally closed contacts El, line 2I6, switch I, coil relay F, push button I66 to L2. Closing of contacts FI holds relay F closed, shunting out push button I 66. Closing of contacts F2 permits current to flow from LI through line 2I5 to the: Haydon motor 200 for return to L2 through contacts F2 and initiatesoperation of the timer disc 202. Simultaneously, current flows normally closed contacts A5 steam valve solenoid I00 and solenoid through lines 2", 2l8 to the closed contacts F2 and LI, thus opening the steam valve.

When the first pin 208 closes switch G, current flows from G through closed contacts A2. relay coil 13 and returns through lines 2I9 and 2", thereby causing relay B to operate. Contacts BI complete a temporary holding circuit for relay B through switch G to line 2I9.. Current fiows from line 2I5 through line 220, contacts B8 and line 22I to the coil of relay A, returning by line 2I0, thereby operating relay A.

Contacts A5 open, thereby interrupting the of relay A to the returns from that from LI through flow of current through the steam valve solenoid 100. Contacts Al close, thereby delivering curpermitting the same to return to its original position.

Upon continued rotation of the timer disc 202, the second pin 208, after a predetermined interval, again closes the switch G, whereupon current flows through contacts A3, B2, C2 and the coil of relay D returning by lines 219 and 218. This operates relay D, with the result that the contacts D1 are closed, thereby completing a temporary holding circuit for relay D through switch G. Contacts D3 are closed, thereby establishing a flow of current from line 213 through line 225, contacts D3, line 226, the coil of relay C and return lines 219, 218. Simultaneously, contacts D5 are opened, thereby de'energizing the vacuum valve solenoid 120. Also, contacts D4 are closed, thereby energizing the head opening solenoid by a flow of current through A3, line 222, contacts D4, line 221 and return lines 211, 218. Opening of the press head under the influence of solenoid 134 opens switch 131. Before that can happen, however, relay C, energized as explained above, operates to close contacts C4, thereby shunting out the switch 1 and maintaining the coil of relay F energized by a flow of current from L1, line 215, contacts El, line 223, contacts C4 and line 229. Contacts C1 are also closed, completing a locking circuit for the coil of relay C, from line 215 through branch 230, contacts C1, relay coil C and return lines 219, 218.

After being momentarily closed for a suflicient time to permit operation of relays D and C, switch G again opens, thereby unlocking relay D and permitting the same to return to its normal position. The latter movement of relay D opens the connection between contacts D4, thereby deenergizing the head opening solenoid 133 and closing contacts D5, to again energize the vacuum valve solenoid 120 as previously explained.

After the timer has rotated a predetermined number of degrees, the switch G is again closed, establishing a flow of current through G, A3, B2, C3, D2, coil of relay E and return lines 219, 218. This operates relay E to open contacts E1, thereby opening the circuit for the coil of relay F,

permitting the same to return to its original, open position. This opens contacts F2, cutting off the supply of current to the Haydon motor 200 and deenergizing the coils of relays A, C and E, whereupon the timing disc 200 is returned to its original position by the spring 203 and coil 203 and all of the relays are returned to their original positions.

When relay F is energized, at the start of a cycle, link 211 is lifted by the armature thereof, thereby moving the feeler 210 into operative position. At the end of a cycle, when the relay F is deenergized, the link 211 is drawn downwardly, thereby swinging the feeler 210 upwardly, out of the path of movement of pins 208, so that the feelers will not be in position to retard or prevent movement of pins 208 during the reset rotation of the disc 202.

In the event that the press head is opened manually at a-premature point in the cycle, the head operated switch 141 will be opened, to interruptthe circuit for the coil of relay F, thereby opening contacts F1 and F2 and returning all of the parts to their original positions, as described above.

The form of the invention shown in Figures 14-16 differs from that just described in that, instead of providing a plurality of electro-magnetically operated relays adapted to be operated successively by a single cam-operated switch, a plurality of dams and cam-operated switches are employed. A Haydon motor 300, which may be identical to the one described above, is employed to rotate a shaft 301 having four discs fast thereon, indicated at 302, 303, 304 and 303. The marginal portions of the discs are cut back, to provide circumferentially extending shoulders 308, beyond which a plurality of circumferentially arranged apertures 301 are formed. Outwardly projecting cam members 302a, 303a, 304a and 305a are secured upon the shouldered portions of the discs by bolts or pins extending through the apertures, the cam members being circumferentially adjustable by inserting the pins into different apertures. The shaft 301 and the discs carried thereby are adapted to be returned to their initial, starting position by a tension spring 310 and a coil 311, wrapped about the shaft, when the clutch asociated with the synchronous motor 300 is disengaged by deenergizing the motor and the clutch controlling magnetic means.

A bracket 312, pivotally supported on pins 313 above the camdiscs, carries a plurality of switches W, X, Y, Z, similar to the switch G described above, and having feelers 313, 313, 311 and 313, respectively, positioned to be engaged by the cams to operate the switches as hereinafter described. A link 320 connected to the bracket 312 serves to swing the feelers downwardly itno operative position when the timer is set in operation, and to swing them in the opposite direction upon termination of its operation, so that the feelers clear the path of return movement of the cams.

As shown inFigure 16, the circuit of this timer comprises a double-pole, single-throw relay R, a

normally open switch 141 adapted to be closed by closing movement of the press head, as described above, a starting button 103, and the cam controlled switches W, X, Y, Z. Switches W and X are single-pole, double throw Mu switches, switch Y is a single-pole, single-throw normally closed Mu switch, while switch Z is a similar single-pole, single-throw normally open switch.

In the operation of this circuit, if the head control switch 141 and the starting button 103 are closed, current flows from line L1 through 1.66, the coil of relay R, switch 141 and contacts Y1 to L2, thereby operating relay R and closing contacts R1 and R2. Contacts R1 complete a holding circuit for the coil of the relay and maintain the same closed. Contacts R2 deliver current to the Haydon 'motor 300 and starts the cam discs rotating. Simultaneously, current is delivered through line 325, contacts W2 to the steam valve solenoid 100, to deliver steam to the press head. After a predetermined time, (Figs. 15a and 15b) the cam 302a comes in contact with feeler 315, to operate switch W, thereby opening contacts W2 and closing contacts W1, with the result that the steam valve solenoid 103 is deenersized and the vacuum valve solenoid 120 enerzl of switch Z and shunting out the press head control switch Ill, to maintain the coil ofsolenoid R. energized; A fraction of a second after this occurs, the cam projections 303a raises feeler ill and operates switch X, thereby opening contacts x: to deenergise the vacuum solenoid I20 and closing contacts II to energize-the head lockrelease solenoid I. It will be noted that the cam 3004 is quite short in its circumferential extent, so that the switch X almost immediately returns to its original tion, deenergizing the head opening solenoid I as soon as the latter has performed its function and again energizing the vacuum solenoid, to subject the buck to the iniiuence-of. a. vacuum withthe press head open.

The parts remain inthis cam 300a. raises the feelerjlfl, thereby opening the normally closed contacts Yl of switch Y and interrupting the circuit for the coil of relay R. Contacts RI and Rl open, deenergizing the Haydon motor 000 and permitting the timer discs to be returned to their original position by spring 0 and coil 3.

The link 320 connected to the frame III for the several switches W--Z is connected to the armature of relay R, in such manner'that, when the relay is energized .at the commencement of a cycle, the link 320 is lifted, thereby swinging the feelers 3i53l0 downwardly into the path of movement of the cams carriedby the cam discs. When the relay R is deenergized, the link 320 is lowered to swing the feelers 5-410 upwardly, out of the, path of movement of'the cams, so that the switches will not be operated upon reverse rotation of the cams during-the resetting operation.

If-the press head control switch is opened prematurely, by opening the head, the circuit for the coil of relay R will be similarly opened by. switch Ill, thereby again permitting the parts to return to their original positions.

It' is thought that the structure and mode of operation of the three preferred embodiments of the invention will be entirely clear to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. In all cases, the setting of the timer may be adjusted at the will of the operator, to vary the time in each cycle of each particular operation, so that great flexibility of operations is accomplished. In the first form of the invention, the adjustment is effected by simply changing the positions of one or more, or all of the pointers I02, while in the last two forms, the pins 200 and the cam pieces 3020-3050 may be shifted circumferentially of the timer shaft to accomplish the same result. When once adjusted, the timer is effective to make the press operate through an indefinite number of identical cycles, until the adjustment is changed for one-reason or another.

Although the invention has been described with considerable particularity in the foregoing speciflcation and by reference to the accompanying drawings, it must be understood that the invention is not limited to these specific details, but

condition until the steam valve, a vacuum valve, power-actuated means for operating said valves and for releasin: the press head, automatic for controlling the operations of said power-actuated means in a normal cycle, operator-actuated means for releasing the press head at any desired time prior to completion of a normal cycle, means for rendering said automatic means and said power-actuated means inoperative upon operation, prior to completion of a normal cycle, of said operatoractuated press head releasing means, and means for automatically resetting said automatic means to the normal starting position either upon completion of a normal cycle or upon interruption of a normal cycle by premature operation of said operator-actuated press head releasing'means. 4

2. A garment pressing apparatus comprising a buck, a movable head, locking means for holding covers all modifications coming within the scope of the appended claimsand their equivalents.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for automatically controlling the operations of a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a movable head, locking means for holding the .head closed upon the buck, a

the head closed upon the buck, a steam valve, a vacuum valve, power-actuated means for operat- 1118 said valves and for releasing the press head, operator-actuated means operable at any desired 'time for releasing the press head, and an automatic timer for controlling the operations of said power-actuated means in a predetermined cycle,

said timer comprising means movable from a normal starting position, means actuated thereby for successively operating said power-actuated means, and means for automatically resetting said movable means to said normal starting position upon completionof the normal cycle or upon interruption thereof by such premature operation of the press head releasing means.

3. A timing apparatus for automatically controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holding the head closed-upon the buck, a steam valve, a coolins-fluid "valve and operator-actuated means for releasingsaid head lock, said timi'ngapparatus comprising time controlled means operable from a starting position for successively. and automatically controlling the operations of the valves and the head lock in a desired pre-determined cycle in which the valves are opened and closed successively andthe head lock release is actuated to open the press, and means for rendering said time-controlled means inoperative and for automatically re-setting the same to its original starting position upon operation of said operator-actuated head lock releasing means prior to the normal release of the head lock during the automatic cycle of operations. I

4. A timing apparatus for automatically controlling a garment press of the type-comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holding the head closed upon the buck, a steam valve, a vacuum valve and operator-actuated means for releasing said head lock, said timing apparatus comprising aplurality of solenoids connected respectively to release said head lock, to open and close said steam valve and to open and close said vacuum valve, time controlled means for automatically and successively operating said solenoids in a predetermined normal cycle, and means for automatically returning said time controlled means to the original starting position upon completion of said normal cycle.

5. A timing apparatus for automatically controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holdingmhe head closed upon the buck, a steam valve, 9. vacuum valve and operator-actuated means for releasing said-head lock, said timing apparatus comprising a plurality of solenoids connected respectively to release said head lock, to open and close said steam valve and to open and close said vacuum valve, time controlled means for autohead closed upon the buck, a steam valve, a vac-.

uum valve and operator-actuated means for releasing said head lock, said timing apparatus comprising a plurality of solenoids connected respectively to release said head lock, to open and close said steam valve and to open and close said vacuum valve, time controlled means for automatically and successively operating said solenoids in a predetermined, normal cycl to open and close the steam valve, to open and close the vacuum valve, to release said head lock and to again open and close said vacuum valve. and means for automatically returning said time controlled means to the original starting position upon completion of said normal cycle or upon remature release of said head look by said operator-actuated means.

7. A timing apparatus for automatically controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holding the head closed upon the buck, a steam valve and a vacuum valve, said timing apparatus comprising a solenoid for operating the steam valve, a solenoid for operating the vacuum valve, a solenoid for releasing said head lock, time controlled means movable from a normal starting position through a predetermined cycle to energize the first solenoid for a predetermined period to open and then close the steam valve, then to energize the second solenoid for a predetermined period to open and trolling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a head movable to closed position thereon, a lock for holding the head in the latter position, a steam valve and a vacuum valve, said apparatus comprising solenoids for operating said valves and for releasing said head lock, an electric circuit for said solenoids, time controlled means in said circuit for energizing the solenoids successively in a predetermined cycle, a circuit closer in said circuit, and means operated by closing movement of the press head for closing said circuit closer.

10. A timing apparatus for automatically controlling a garment press or the type comprising a buck, a head movable to closed position thereon, a lock for holding the head in the latter position, a steam valve and a vacuum valve, said apparatus comprising solenoids for operating said valves and for releasing said head lock, a circuit for said solenoids, time controlled means for said circuit for energizing the solenoids successively in a prethen close the vacuum valve, then to momentarily energize the third solenoid to release the head lock, then to again energize the second solenoid for a predetermined period to open and then close the vacuum valve with the press head open, and means for automatically returning the time controlled means to the said normal starting position upon completion of said predetermined cycle.

8. A timing apparatus for automatically controlling a garment press 01' the type comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holding the head closed upon the buck, a steam valve, a vacuum valve and operator-actuated means for releasing said head lock, said timing apparatus comprising a solenoid for operating the steam valve, a solenoid for operating the vacuum valve, a solenoid for releasing said head lock, time controlled means movable from a normal starting position through a predetermined cycle to energize the first solenoid for a predetermined period to open and then close the steam valve, then to' energize the second solenoid for a predetermined period to open and then close the vacuum valve, then to momentarily energize the third solenoid to release the head lock, then to again energize the second solenoid for a predetermined period to open and then close the vacuum valve with the press head open, and means for automatically returning the time controlled means to said normal starting position upon completion of said predetermined cycle or upon release of said head lock by said operator-actuated means.

9. A timing apparatus for automatically con-' determined cycle, a press head operated switch in said circuit permitting initiation of the cycle only when the press head is closed, and another switch connected in the circuit to shunt the press head operated switch to permit continuation of the circuit to initiate operation of the time controlled means and to energize the steam valve solenoid only when the head is closed, means actuated by said time controlled means for deepergizing the steam valve solenoid after a predetermined time and for simultaneously energizing the vacuum valve solenoid, means actuated by said time controlled means for deenergizing the vacuum valve solenoid after a predetermined ated switch when the head opens under control 01' the last-mentioned solenoid and for again energizing the vacuum valve solenoid, and means actuated by said time controlled means for deenergizing the vacuum valve solenoid.

12. A timing apparatus for automatically controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a head movable to closed'position thereon, a lock for holding the head in the latter position, a steam valve and a vacuum valve, said apparatus comprising solenoids for operating said valves and for releasing said head lock, an electric circuit for said solenoids, time controlled means in the circuit, a press head operated switch in the circuit to initiate operation of the time controlled means and to energize the steam valve solenoid only when the head is closed, means actuated by said time controlled means for deenergizing the steam valve solenoid after a predetermined time and for simultaneously energizing the vacuum valve solenoid, means actuated by said time controlled means tor deenergizing the vacuum valve solenoid after a predetermined time and for simultaneously energizing the head lock releasing solenoid, another switch connected in said circuit for shunting said press head operated switch when the head opens under control or the lastasoaaeo 1 mentioned solenoid and to: again energizing the .vacuum valve solenoid, means actuated by said time controlled means for deenergizing thev vacuum valve solenoid, and means for resetting said :lime controlled means to the initial starting posi- 13. For use with a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a head movable to closed position thereon, a lock for holding the head in the latter position, a steam valve and a vacuum valve;

' a timing apparatus for controlling said valves and release of the head lock, comprising solenoids for the valves and the head lock release, electric circuits for the solenoids, time controlled switches in the circuits for energizing and deenergizing the solenoids successively in a predetermined cycle, and a pair of switches operated by closing and opening movements of said head, one serving to initiate operation of the time controlled switches and of the cycle only when the head is closed and the other serving to continue a portion of the cycle when the head opens under actuation of the head lock release solenoid. n

14. A timing apparatus for automatically controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a head movable to closed position thereon, a lock for holding the head in the latter position, a steam valve, a vacuum valve arid operator actuated means for releasing said head lock, said apparatus comprising solenoids/for operating said valves and for releasing said head lock, electric circuits. for said solenoids, circuit controlling means for said circuits, synchronous electric motor means for moving said circuit controlling means from a normal starting position through a normal cycle, and means for automatically resetting said circuit controlling means to the normal starting position upon completion of a normal cycle or upon opening of the press head by said operator-actuated head lock releasing means.

15. A timer for automatically controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a head movable to closed position thereon, a lock'for the head, a steam valve and a vacuum valve, said apparatus comprising solenoids for operating said valves and for releasing said head lock, circuits for said solenoids, and means for controlling said circuits, said last-mentioned means comprising a plurality of adjustable time delay relays for the circuits and connections for the relays so arranged that one relay initiates operation of another after a predetermined time, and means for resetting all of said time delay relays upon completion of a normal cycle.

16. An apparatus for controlling a. garment press of the type comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holding the head closed on the buck, a steam valve and a vacuum valve, said apparatus comprising solenoids for the valves and for releasing the head look, a relay connected to deliver current to energize'the steam valve solenoid, manual current control means for energizing said relay, a time delay relay connected to have its operation initiated by the first relay and to shift over after a predetermined time to deenergize the steam valve solenoid and to energize the vacuum valve solenoid, a second time delay relay connected to. have its operation initiated by the shift-over of the second time de-- lay relay and itself to shift over after a predetermined time to deenergize the first-mentioned relay, thereby deenergizing the vacuum valve solenoid and all of the time delay relays.

1'7. An apparatus for controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holdingthe head closed on the buck, a steam valve and a vacuum valve, said apparatus comprising solenoids for the valves and for releasing the head lock, and a timer for said solenoids comprising three time delay relays, a pair of double-pole, single-throw relays, a pair of press head actuated single-pole, single-throw switches, an operator actuated starting switch and electrical connections so arranged that closing of the last-mentioned switch energizes and closes the first of said double-pole, single-throw relays if the'first press head actuated switch is closed, closing of said first relay serving to deinitiated by said shift-over of the first time delay I relay and itself to shift over after a predetermined time to deenergize the vacuum valve solenoid and to energize the head lock release solenoid to permit the head to open, a switch actuated by opening movement of the head for again energizing the vacuum valve solenoid, a .third the steam valve solenoid, said first time delay relay after a predetermined time serving to interrupt the delivery of current to the steam valve solenoid and to deliver current to the second time delay relay and to the vacuum valve solenoid, the second time delay relay aftera predetermined time serving to interrupt the delivery of current to the vacuum valve solenond and to deliver current to the head lock release solenoid and to the second double-pole, singlethrow relay to energize and close the same, said second relay when closed serving to shunt the first press head operated switch and to deliver current to the third time delay relay, the opening of said head resulting from energizing of the press head lock release solenoid serving to close the second press head operated switch and to again deliver current to the vacuum valve solenoid, the third time delay relay, after a predetermined time, serving to deenergize the first double-pole, single-throw relay and open the latter, thereby deenergizing all of the other reays. s-

18. An apparatus for controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holding the head closed on the buck, a steam valve and a vacuum valve, said apparatus comprising solenoids for the valves and for releasing the head look, a member mounted for rotation from a predetermined normal starting position, means for slowly rotating the memher at a constant speed, operator-actuated means for initiating rotation thereof, a master switch, a plurality of elements carried by said rotatable member for periodically and successively closing said switch at predetermined times, a plurality of relays connected to be operated successively by the successive closing of said master switch,

'its normal starting position upon completion of a cycle of operations.

19. An apparatus for controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holding the head closed on the buck, a steam valve, a vacuum valve and operator-actuated means for releasing the head lock, said apparatus comprising solenoids for the valves and for releasing the head lock, a memnormal starting position, means for slowly rotating the member at a constant speed, operatoractuated means ior initiating rotation thereof, a master switch, a plurality of elements carried by said rotatable member for periodically and successively closing said switch at predetermined times, a plurality of relays connected to be operated successively by the successive closing of said master switch, connections from said relays to said solenoids adapted to energize the solenoids successively to open and close the steam valve, to open and close the vacuum valve, to release the head lock and to again open and close the vacuum valve, and means for returning said rotatable member to its normal starting position upon completion of a normal cycle of operations or upon interruption of such a cycle by operation of said operator-actuated head lock releasing means.

20. An apparatus for controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holding the head closed on the buck, a steam valve and a vacuum 'valve, said apparatus comprising solenoids for the valves and for releasing the head lock, a rotatable member, means for slowly rotatingthe same at a predetermined relatively slow constant speed, a plurality of cams carried by said member, a corresponding number of switches positioned adjacent the cams, circuits controlled by said switches for energizing and deenergizing the steam valve solenoid, the vacuum valve solenoid and the head lock release solenoid in a predetermined cycle controlled by said cams, andmeans for returning said rotatable member and said cams to their normal starting position upon completion 0! a normal cycle.

21. In \a garment press having a steam valve, a vacuum valve, a head lock release and solenoids for actuating said valves and said release, a timer for controlling the delivery of current to said solenoids, comprising four cam controlled switches, a relay, a press head controlled switch,

a starting button, a synchronous motor, switch controlling cams driven by said motor, and electrical connections whereby closing of said starting button energizes said relay when the press head controlled switch is closed, said relay serving to close a relay holding circuit and to deliver current to said synchronous motor and to the steam valve solenoid, the first to operate of said cam controlled switches serving to deenergize the steam valve solenoid and energize the vacuum valve solenoid, the next to operate of said cam controlled switches serving to shunt the press head controlled switch to maintain the relay energized when the head opens, the next to operate of said cam controlled switches serving to temporarily 'deenergize the vacuum valve sole-' noid and to energize the head lock release solenoid thereby to open the press head, the last ber mounted for rotation from a predetermined to operate of said cam controlled switches servin to deenergize the relay and thereby interrupt the current to the synchronous motor and the vacuum valve solenoid.

22. The combination with'a garment press of thetype comprising a buck, a vacuum conduit leading to the buck, a valve in said conduit including a movable stem, pedal-actuated means for operating said valve and including a lever connected to the valve stem, of power means ior operating the valve, comprising a solenoid, a lever adapted to be rocked by said solenoid and a link connection between the lever and the valve stem, whereby the valve is opened when the solenoid is energized.

23. An apparatus for controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holding the head closed on the buck, a steam valve and a vacuum valve, said apparatus comprising-solenoids-tor the valves and for releasing the head lock, a member mounted for rotation from a predetermined normal starting position and having a plurality of projections thereon, means for slowly rotating the member in one direction through a normal cycle at a constant speed, circuit controllin means for the solenoids having ieeler means adapted to be contacted by said projections, means for moving said feeler means into the path of movement of said projections upon initiation of rotation of the rotatable member, means for rotating the rotatable member in a reverse direction to the normal starting position at the end of the normal cycle, and means for moving said feeler means out of the path of movement of 'said projections during such rotation in the reverse direction.

24. An apparatus for controlling a garment press of the type comprising a buck, a movable head, a lock for holding the head on the buck, a steam valve and a vacuum valve, said apparatus comprising solenoids for the valves and for releasing the head lock, a member mounted for rotation from a predetermined normal starting position and having a plurality of projections thereon, a synchronous electric motor for slowly rotating said member at a constant speed through anormal cycle, an operator controlled relay for energizing the synchronous motor and initiating rotation thereof, circuit controlling means for the solenoids pivoted adjacent the rotatable member and having feeler means associated therewith, a connection from said relay to said circuit controlling means for moving said ieeler means into the path of movement of said projections when the relay is engaged to start the synchronous motor, said connection serving to move the feelers out of said path when the relay is deenergized, and means for reversing the rotation of the rotatable member when the relay and the synchronous motor are deenergized.

ROBERT J RANDALL. 

